Cybercrime is an ever-present threat in today’s digital world – and your company is not safe without precautions.
Hackers are constantly using innovative methods to access corporate accounts and steal confidential information. Always staying vigilant for phishing scams, requiring strong passwords, and keeping your company’s anti-malware software up to date is critical in staying safe. However, even the most cautious companies may sometimes fall victim to a hacking scheme. Understanding the common signs of being hacked is important to limit these damages and protect your company’s identity.
Here are a few of the most common signs that your company is the victim of a hacker or hacking scheme.
1. Suspicious Credit Card Activity
One thing to always keep an eye on is suspicious credit card activity. Many credit card companies will put a freeze on you or your business’s account if they notice unusual purchases from different locations. However, checking your credit card statement on a regular basis is a great way to stay proactive against credit card fraud due to hacking. Contacting your company’s bank or credit card provider immediately is essential in preventing these unlawful purchases and saving your business a lot of headaches.
2. New Programs Appear on Company Computers
Your company may also be the victim of a hacker if you or your employees notice new programs installed on your organization’s computers. Accidentally downloading malware allows hackers to make changes to computers without one’s knowledge. Sometimes it may be difficult to remove these programs on your own. You may need to restore a system from a previous data backup or reach out to an IT technician for additional assistance.
3. Password No Longer Works
A password that’s no longer working is always a major red flag. Typically, you can regain access to your company’s accounts by answering a few security questions or getting text or email notifications. However, it is important to change passwords to a more complex phrase that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Turning on multi-factor authentication also provides your company’s accounts with extra security, making it much more difficult for hackers to access your company’s information.
4. Your Business’s Computers Operate Slower than Usual
Computers will often begin to operate more slowly due to age. However, a sudden, significant drop in performance may be a sign that a hacker is downloading information from your business’s hard drives and storage. Your company may also be the victim of cryptojacking, as a hacker will use your computers without your permission to mine for cryptocurrency. Scanning your computers on a frequent basis is essential in identifying these threats before they create widespread damage or cause your business to lose personal information.
5. Data Breach at a Well-Known Company or Vendor
A data breach at a major company or vendor may expose your company’s email and passwords to hackers. The best option is to change your passwords as soon as possible. You will also need to change the passcodes used for other accounts if you use the same password. Ultimately, it is much safer to use a unique password for each account for an added level of protection. A password manager helps keep track of each password for multiple accounts, as you will only need to know the master passcode.
Final Thoughts
Hackers will continue to use a variety of methods to access your company’s data. Understanding how to respond to these threats is essential in keeping your business’s information safe and limiting the damages of cybercriminals. Keeping up to date with the most recent schemes and staying proactive against cyber threats can play a big role in keeping your business’s data safe and out of the hands of hackers.
